August 11, 2021

These students have been working alongside staff in the Family Court Legal Program, the Family Law Unit, the Elder Justice Unit, the Pro Bono Legal program, the Walk-In Legal Clinic, and the Development and Marketing Team. Their contributions to PWJC programs not only stem from their hard work and skill, but from the diverse perspectives, they bring to our team. Fifty percent of our interns are either fluent or highly proficient in Spanish, which is often helpful in accommodating the needs of our clients, and one intern speaks two Akan languages, Twi and Fante. Their hometowns vary from multiple parts of Westchester to Maryland, New Jersey, and even as far as Ghana. Our six law students are studying at The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, Fordham, NYU, and New York Law School. While the three college interns are attending Barnard, Bates, and Elon, and our high school intern attends Edgemont High School.

The students participating in the internship program are varied in age, experience, and location, however, they each have gained a valuable foundation of both legal and professional skills while building strong relationships with their mentors and the work that PWJC does. The variety of edifying and challenging summer internships is made possible by the interested and eager nature of the students. We’re sorry to see them go and wish them continued success in the school year ahead. 

Alyssa was referred to the Pace Women’s Justice Center Family Court Legal Program by her local police department after her ex-husband cut off communication between her and her children. She had divorced her husband in 2019, but since then, he refused to comply with their joint custody agreement and was withholding their three young kids and child support from her. In their divorce settlement, it had been decided that when their children were staying with Alyssa’s ex-husband she would have daily contact with them either through FaceTime or even just a call. However, in the month leading up to Alyssa contacting the police department, her ex made it impossible for her to speak with her kids for days and sometimes weeks at a time. In a panic, she begged both him and his attorney to send a picture of her children to confirm that they were being cared for, but she received no response and finally decided to seek out help.

After being referred by the police department that has worked very closely with the Pace Women’s Justice Center in the past, Alyssa had her first conversation with an attorney and a PWJC law student in August of 2020. Although her divorce and the violations of their child support agreements had taken place outside of New York state, PWJC was committed to helping Alyssa and walking her through every step of the often overwhelming legal proceedings. They discussed her frustrations and constant anxiety that arose from her ex-husband’s violations of their custody and divorce agreements and they quickly crafted a temporary order of protection. This court order immediately stopped the harassing and threatening behavior of her ex-husband while she filed a Family Offense Petition that detailed the abuses she and her children endured in hopes of a more legally protected future. Throughout the technicalities of filing for an order of protection, PWJC worked with Alyssa on protocols for safety planning during custody disagreements and walked her through the legal agreements of her divorce. Dozens of emails and meetings later Alyssa continues to utilize the support of PWJC to improve upon her child support agreements and ensure a safe environment for her children. In a final email to an attorney she worked closely with, she said, “You've been a godsend and I'm so appreciative to you and PWJC for all the assistance and guidance.”

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